Former Citizen TV and NTV Swahili news anchor Salim Swaleh has announced his intention to contest the Gilgil parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
Swaleh made the declaration while attending the burial of one of the victims of the recent Utumishi Girls fire tragedy in Gilgil, saying he had answered calls from local residents urging him to seek elective office.
The former journalist said his decision was inspired by appeals from constituents who believe he can help drive development in the area.
“I have the voice of the people of Gilgil who have asked me to come home. During my years in the media and public service, I made many friends, and they have encouraged me to bring those connections here for the development of our constituency,” Swaleh said.
“For that reason, I will be vying for the Gilgil parliamentary seat in the next General Election. However, today is not a day for politics. I will return at a later date so that we can discuss the kind of Gilgil we want to build together,” he added.
Swaleh did not disclose the political party under which he intends to run, nor did he indicate whether he would seek the seat as an independent candidate.
Before entering politics, Swaleh built a career in journalism, serving as a Swahili news anchor at major television stations before joining the office of Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi as Press Secretary.
He held the position between 2022 and 2024 before his dismissal following his arrest over alleged corruption-related offences.
In a statement issued by Mudavadi’s office in June 2024, Swaleh and other officials were accused of facilitating fraudulent dealings by allowing individuals to use government offices to conduct illegal activities.
“Those arrested include Salim Swaleh, Director of OPCS Press Service, in whose office the swindlers were found nested with fake door switch-nametags,” part of the statement read at the time.
Following his arrest, Swaleh was suspended from office and later charged. He subsequently appealed publicly for forgiveness and requested support in securing employment opportunities.
Since then, he has largely remained out of the public spotlight until his latest political declaration.
If he proceeds with his bid, Swaleh is expected to challenge incumbent Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, who is widely expected to seek re-election.
His entry into politics reflects a growing trend of media personalities transitioning into elective politics ahead of the 2027 polls.
Among journalists and media figures who have recently expressed interest in political office are Tina Ogal, Lulu Hassan, Mwanahamisi Hamadi and Willis Raburu.
Political observers are expected to closely watch Swaleh’s next move as the race for the Gilgil parliamentary seat begins to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections.
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